What we know about the Paris shooting

Tragedy has once again struck Paris with three people dead and three others injured following a shooting.

Here’s what we know so far about the incident in the French capital.

Who is the suspect?

A 69-year-old suspect, who was also injured, has been arrested after the incident and the Paris prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation.

It said the suspect had a prior police record, including an arrest for attacking migrants living in tents, and that investigators are considering a possible racist motive for the shooting.

French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said the suspect is a French national and known by authorities, but not in the context of political extremism, and was not known to the secret service.

He added the “exact motives” of the attacker are so far unknown, and “as things stand” he acted alone.

The suspect’s father told AFP: “He was a quiet man, as they say. He was really withdrawn. He didn’t live like everyone else. This morning, he said nothing when he left. He must have been up to something on his own.”

Where was the shooting?

The shooting occurred at midday at a Kurdish cultural centre and a restaurant and hairdresser nearby, according to the mayor for the 10th arrondissement, Alexandra Cordebard.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, she said the “real motivation” for the shooting remains unclear.

Police cordoned off the area on a busy street with shops and restaurants near the Gare de l’Est train station.

Three people who were hit in the shooting have died, one is in a critical condition, and two others are in hospital with less serious injuries.

Violent protests have since broken out in nearby streets, with riot police firing tear gas to try to disperse an angry crowd which was flinging projectiles at officers.

What has Emmanuel Macron said?

President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “The Kurds of France have been the target of a heinous attack in the heart of Paris.

“Thoughts to the victims, to the people who are struggling to live, to their families and loved ones. Recognition to our law enforcement for their courage and composure.”

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted about the “tragic news” in Paris, and said the UK “is ready to support in whatever way we can”.